I just stumbled over Kmeleon and it is exactly the browser that I want - slim , simple and fast. It resembles the camino browser that I use on OSX and this is great.
However, there is one big disadvantage with Kmeleon (and some minor bugs, but that's not the point here): Kmeleon has no search toolbar! All other browsers that I used so far and that are based on gecko have this and even Opera has it: A search field in which you can type some keyword and use one of several search engines to search for the term.
There is a plugin at http://kmeleon.sourceforge.net/forum/read.php?2,49336 but it is only half way there not being configurable. Besides that I think that this functionality is so essential and useful these days that every browser has to have it builtin.

Yes, I have seen that (after I wrote the post, sorry ;).
It helps right now, but I still think that it should be part of base Kmeleon, not just a plugin. Plugins are for features that some people use, but features that (almost?) everybody uses should always be part of the base package.

I prefer the existing button to open the search prompt
with one single click.
The preferred search engine is easily selectable.
A search bar is using too much space, as it shortens
the URL address bar, if it is on the same line,
and a long address is not visible anymore then.
Or else open the search prompt using the keyboard
shortcut.

Fred

Re: Is a configurable search toolbar planned?

Posted by:
plasmapelz

Date: November 11, 2008 01:14AM

QuoteFred
I prefer the existing button to open the search prompt
with one single click.
The preferred search engine is easily selectable.

I see that point. But I wasn't able to easily figure out that you can change the search engine by right click on the search button.
Searching by this way would be fine I think, but can you at least turn that search button into a menu button - like that of searchbarext - and make it display an icon of the current search engine? This would enhance usability a lot (and fewer people might cry for a search toolbar ;-).

I like the way the url window works together with the "globe" for searches, and the way the right-click brings up different search engines to which you can add more. It's neat, clean and uncluttered. It's surprising, at first, but a VERY clever and elegant solution.

I installed K-Meleon on my mother's first computer (she's past 70 and a recalcitrant luddite), and she took to it like a duck to water. "One 'window'? Right-o. Why would you need more? It would be confusing"! That's what she said!

Couldn't have said it better. The KM's leave a lot of opportunity to clear out the unnecessary bell's, whistles and eye candy to make way for mucho screen real estate.

If I recall correctly, one or more of the previous KM's had a dedicated Search bar which was the first thing I'd gotten rid of. But then, if we were not all permitted to have our own way of doing things we probably wouldn't have these crazy machines to talk on.

Quoteplasmapelz
It helps right now, but I still think that it should be part of base Kmeleon, not just a plugin. Plugins are for features that some people use, but features that (almost?) everybody uses should always be part of the base package.

The point is that not everybody would use that feature.
If any feature that somebody might use would be added to the base package, K-Meleon would end up becoming an unnecessary bloated and sluggish browser.

QuoteplasmapelzSearching by this way would be fine I think,

Agreed

Quoteplasmapelzbut can you at least turn that search button into a menu button - like that of searchbarext - and make it display an icon of the current search engine?

What if you are the type of person who prefers performance over bells and whistles?
What if K-M is set to not load website icons?

Quotepanzer
Juju, searchbar should be part of Kmeleon as a plugin (it should be included in Kmeleon package). If you do not like it, throw it out.

Strange logic. How about installing the extension in case you like it ;)
Imagine FF originally shipped with dozens of extensions

QuotepanzerI have both of them in my version of Kmeleon, but most of the time i use searchbar.

IMHO, still no reason to include it in the basic package.

How about keeping K-M a slimmed down cousin of Firefox for people who prefer performance over bells and whistles.

Can somebody explain to me what a searchbar system would add to the current search options? I have never used any searchbar before.

I do know that currently in KM I can click on the search button and get an input box for a search item. I can highlight some text and click on the search button for a search with the current search engine. I can put text in the URL bar and click on the search button for a search. I can right click on the search button and pick another engine or go to configure to add to the pick list or add a completely new engine. With the SearchIcon.kmm file I now can see the search button display the icon of any search engine. What does a searchbar add to that?